[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 130 (Wednesday, July 8, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39131-39139]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-16744]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service

[Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2015-IHS-MSPI-0001; Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance Number (CFDA): 93.933]


Division of Behavioral Health; Office of Clinical and Preventive 
Services; Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative; 
Announcement Type: New--Limited Competition

Key Dates

    Application Deadline Date: September 8, 2015.
    Review Date: September 14-18, 2015.
    Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 30, 2015.
    Signed Tribal Resolutions Due Date: September 11, 2015.
    Proof of Non-Profit Status Due Date: September 8, 2015.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

Statutory Authority

    The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency which is part of the 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is accepting 
applications for a five-year funding cycle to continue the planning, 
development, and implementation of the Methamphetamine and Suicide 
Prevention Initiative (Short Title: MSPI). This program was first 
established by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, Public Law 
110-161, 121 Stat. 1844, 2135, and has been continued in the annual 
appropriations acts since that time. This program is authorized under 
the authority of 25 U.S.C. 13, the Snyder Act, and the Indian Health 
Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. 1601-1683. The amounts made available 
for the MSPI shall be allocated at the discretion of the Director of 
IHS and shall remain available until expended. IHS utilizes a national 
funding formula developed in consultation with Tribes and the National 
Tribal Advisory Committee (NTAC) on behavioral health, as well as 
conferring with urban Indian health programs (UIHPs). The funding 
formula provides the allocation methodology for each IHS Service Area. 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance 
under 93.933.

Background

    From September 2009-August 2015, IHS funded 130 IHS, Tribal, and 
UIHPs that participated in a nationally coordinated six-year 
demonstration pilot project, focusing on providing methamphetamine and 
suicide prevention and intervention resources for Indian Country. The 
MSPI promotes the use and development of evidence-based and practice-
based models that represent culturally-appropriate prevention and 
treatment approaches to methamphetamine use and suicide prevention from 
a community-driven context. For a complete listing of demonstration 
pilot projects, please visit www.ihs.gov/mspi/pilotprojects.

Purpose

    The primary purpose of this grant program is to accomplish the MSPI 
goals listed below:
    1. Increase Tribal, UIHP, and Federal capacity to operate 
successful methamphetamine prevention, treatment, and aftercare and 
suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention services through 
implementing community and organizational needs assessment and 
strategic plans.
    2. Develop and foster data sharing systems among Tribal, UIHP, and 
Federal behavioral health service providers to demonstrate efficacy and 
impact.
    3. Identify and address suicide ideations, attempts, and contagions 
among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations through the 
development and implementation of culturally appropriate and community 
relevant prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies.
    4. Identify and address methamphetamine use among AI/AN populations 
through the development and implementation of culturally appropriate 
and community relevant prevention, treatment, and aftercare strategies.
    5. Increase provider and community education on suicide and 
methamphetamine use by offering appropriate trainings.
    6. Promote positive AI/AN youth development and family engagement

[[Page 39132]]

through the implementation of early intervention strategies to reduce 
risk factors for suicidal behavior and substance abuse.
    Funded projects are not expected to address all of the MSPI goals, 
only those relevant to the Purpose Area for which they are applying.
    To accomplish the MSPI goals, IHS invites applicants to address one 
of the Purpose Areas below:
     Purpose Area 1: Community and Organizational Needs 
Assessment and Strategic Planning
     Purpose Area 2: Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and 
Postvention
     Purpose Area 3: Methamphetamine Prevention, Treatment, and 
Aftercare
     Purpose Area 4: Generation Indigenous Initiative Support.
    In certain circumstances, applicants may choose to apply for more 
than one Purpose Area. If this is the case, applicants must submit a 
separate application for each Purpose Area. IHS encourages applicants 
to develop and submit applications that emphasize cross-system 
collaboration among the Purpose Areas, the inclusion of family, youth 
and community resources, and the application of cultural approaches.

Evidence-Based Practices, Practice-Based Evidence, Promising Practices, 
and Local Efforts

    IHS strongly emphasizes the use of data and evidence in 
policymaking and program development and implementation. Applicants 
under Purpose Area 2, Purpose Area 3, and Purpose Area 4 must identify 
one or more evidence-based practice, practice-based evidence, best or 
promising practice, and/or local effort that they plan to implement in 
the Project Narrative section of their application. The MSPI Web site 
(http://www.ihs.gov/mspi/bestpractices/) is one resource that 
applicants may use to find information to build on the foundation of 
prior methamphetamine and suicide prevention and treatment efforts, in 
order to support the IHS, Tribes, and UIHPs in developing and 
implementing Tribal and/or culturally appropriate methamphetamine and 
suicide prevention and early intervention strategies.

Purpose Areas

    Purpose Area 1: Community and Organizational Needs Assessment and 
Strategic Planning: Lessons learned from the demonstration pilot 
project phase of the MSPI revealed the need for AI/AN communities to 
have access to resources, funding, and technical assistance to assess 
the needs of their community for suicide and/or methamphetamine use to 
develop strategic approaches and leverage community and organizational 
resources before implementing specific programs. Strategic planning is 
especially critical to maximize available resources and eliminate 
duplicative efforts. Strategic planning should address gaps in policies 
and resources, as well as program barriers. Planning should focus on 
utilizing data from the community and organizational needs assessment 
to ensure coordinated community responses as well as system linkages 
for suicide prevention and methamphetamine use services. Based on the 
community and organizational needs assessment and analysis, projects 
will develop a strategic plan to address suicide and/or methamphetamine 
use (or other addicting substances). IHS is seeking applicants to 
address MSPI goals #1 and #2 by addressing the following two items:
     Assess and develop strategic approaches of leveraging 
community and organizational resources to address suicide and 
methamphetamine use; and
     Develop data sharing systems for continuous assessment and 
strategic planning.
    Purpose Area 2: Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention: 
The focus of Purpose Area 2 is on the prevention, intervention, and 
postvention of suicide, suicide contagion, and suicide attempts or 
ideations among AI/AN populations.
    IHS is seeking applicants to address MSPI goals #3 and #5 by 
focusing on the following broad objectives:
     Expand available behavioral health care treatment 
services;
     Foster coalitions and networks to improve care 
coordination;
     Educate and train providers in the care of methamphetamine 
and other substance use disorders;
     Promote community education to prevent the use and spread 
of methamphetamine;
     Improve health system organizational practices to improve 
treatment services for individuals seeking treatment for 
methamphetamine and other substance use disorders that contribute to 
suicide;
     Establish local health system policies to address 
methamphetamine use and other substance use disorders that contribute 
to suicide;
     Integrate culturally appropriate treatment services; and
     Implement trauma informed care services and programs.
    Purpose Area 3: Methamphetamine Prevention, Treatment, and 
Aftercare: The focus of Purpose Area 3 is on the prevention, treatment, 
and aftercare for methamphetamine use (and other addicting substances) 
among AI/AN populations. In addition to prevention programming, MSPI 
funds can be used to provide behavioral health treatment services 
(i.e., direct services including in-patient and out-patient treatment, 
intervention, and aftercare).
    IHS is seeking applicants to address MSPI goals #4 and #5 by 
focusing on the following broad objectives:
     Expand available behavioral health care treatment 
services;
     Foster coalitions and networks to improve care 
coordination;
     Educate and train providers in the care of methamphetamine 
and other substance use disorders;
     Promote community education to prevent the use and spread 
of methamphetamine;
     Improve health system organizational practices to improve 
treatment services for individuals seeking treatment for 
methamphetamine and other substance use disorders that contribute to 
suicide;
     Establish local health system policies to address 
methamphetamine use and other substance use disorders that contribute 
to suicide;
     Integrate culturally appropriate treatment services; and
     Implement trauma informed care services and programs.
    Purpose Area 4: Generation Indigenous Initiative Support: The focus 
of Purpose Area 4 is to promote early intervention strategies and 
implement positive youth development programming to reduce risk factors 
for suicidal behavior and substance abuse. IHS is seeking applicants to 
address MSPI goal #6 by working with Native youth ages 8 to 24 years 
old on the following broad objectives:
     Implement evidence-based and practice-based approaches to 
build resiliency, promote positive development, and increase self-
sufficiency behaviors among Native youth;
     Promote family engagement; and
     Increase access to prevention activities for youth to 
prevent methamphetamine use and other substance use disorders that 
contribute to suicidal behaviors, in culturally appropriate ways.

Limited Competition Justification

    There is limited competition under this announcement because the 
authorizing legislation restricts eligibility to Tribes that meet 
specific criteria. See the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008, 
Public Law 110-161, 121 Stat. 1844, 2135.

[[Page 39133]]

II. Award Information

Type of Award

    Grant.

Estimated Funds Available

    The total amount of funding identified for the current fiscal year 
(FY) 2015 is approximately $12,500,000. IHS expects to allocate funding 
for the 12 IHS service areas as described below. Applicants will be 
awarded according to their location within their respective IHS service 
area and will not compete with applicants from other IHS service areas. 
UIHP applicants will be selected from a category set aside for UIHP 
applicants only. UIHP awards will be $100,000 each. The amount of 
funding available for competing and continuation awards issued under 
this announcement are subject to the availability of appropriations and 
budgetary priorities of the Agency. IHS is under no obligation to make 
awards that are selected for funding under this announcement.

Anticipated Number of Awards

    The number of anticipated awards is dependent on the number of 
applications received in response to the announcement and available 
funds. The funding breakdown by area is as follows:
Alaska IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $1,684,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $300,000 for a 12-month project period.
Albuquerque IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $703,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $150,000 for a 12-month project period.
Bemidji IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $706,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $150,000 for a 12-month project period.
Billings IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $703,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $150,000 for a 12-month project period.
California IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $815,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $150,000 for a 12-month project period.
Great Plains IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $1,201,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $200,000 for a 12-month project period.
Nashville IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $333,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $150,000 for a 12-month project period.
Navajo IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $1,988,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $300,000 for a 12-month project period.
Oklahoma City IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $1,908,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $300,000 for a 12-month project period.
Phoenix IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $1,335,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $200,000 for a 12-month project period.
Portland IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $917,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $100,000 for a 12-month project period.
Tucson IHS Service Area
    IHS expects to provide $206,000 in total awards ranging from 
$50,000 to $112,500 for a 12-month project period.
Urban Indian Health Programs
    IHS expects to provide $1,000,000 in total awards for a 12-month 
project period.

Project Period

    The project period is for five years and will run consecutively 
from September 30, 2015, to September 29, 2020.

Continuation Applications

    The current funding announcement is a request for the submission of 
proposals for a five-year project proposal; however due to the limited 
amount of funding available for competing and continuation awards 
issued under this announcement, the funds are subject to the 
availability of appropriations and budgetary priorities of the Agency 
(also reference ``Estimated Funds Available'' in this section, ``Award 
Information''). Therefore, awardees will be required to submit a 
Continuation Application at the end of each project year (dates to be 
determined) after the initial funding award for Project Year 1, which 
will assist in determining continued funding from Project Year to 
Project Year for the five-year project funding cycle. Awardees will be 
required to submit an entire application package including all 
components listed under ``Content and Form Application Submission'' in 
the GrantsSolutions System to assist in determination of continued 
funding.
    The continuation applications will assist IHS in ensuring that all 
awardees are meeting their goals and objectives, carrying out project 
activities, and submitting required documentation in a timely manner 
and according to the terms and conditions of their Notice of Award 
(NoA) and the behavioral health program requirements.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligibility

    To be eligible for this ``Limited Competition'' in an effort to 
address behavioral health disparities within AI/AN communities, IHS is 
limiting eligibility to Federally recognized Tribes, Tribal 
organizations, and urban Indian organizations. Eligible applicants are 
as follows:
     Federally recognized Indian Tribe, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
1603(14);
     Tribal organization, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(26);
     Urban Indian organization, as defined by 25 U.S.C. 
1603(29). Applicants must provide proof of non-profit status with the 
application, e.g., 501(c)(3).

    Note:  Please refer to section IV.2 (Application and Submission 
Information/Subsection 2, Content and Form of Application 
Submission) for additional proof of applicant status documents 
required such as Tribal resolutions, proof of non-profit status, 
etc.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    IHS does not require matching funds or cost sharing for grants or 
cooperative agreements.

3. Other Requirements

    a. If application budgets exceed the highest dollar amount outlined 
under the ``Estimated Funds Available'' section within this funding 
announcement, the application will be considered ineligible and will 
not be reviewed for further consideration. If deemed ineligible, IHS 
will not return the application. The applicant will be notified by 
email by the Division of Grants Management (DGM) of this decision.
    b. Awardee Meetings
    Awardees are required to send the Project Director and/or Project 
Coordinator (the individual who runs the day-to-day project operations) 
to an annual MSPI meeting. Participation will be in-person or virtual 
meetings. The awardee is required to include travel for this purpose in 
the budget and narrative of the project proposal. At these meetings, 
awardees will present updates and results of their projects including 
note of significant or ongoing concerns related to project 
implementation or management. Federal staff will provide updates and 
technical assistance to awardees in attendance.

[[Page 39134]]

Tribal Resolution
    Signed Tribal Resolution--A signed Tribal resolution from each of 
the Indian Tribes served by the project must accompany the electronic 
application submission. An Indian Tribe that is proposing a project 
affecting another Indian Tribe must include resolutions from all 
affected Tribes to be served. Applications by Tribal organizations will 
not require a specific Tribal resolution if the current Tribal 
resolution(s) under which they operate would encompass the proposed 
grant activities.
    Draft Tribal resolutions are acceptable in lieu of an official 
signed resolution and must be submitted along with the electronic 
application submission prior to the official application deadline date 
or prior to the start of the Objective Review Committee (ORC) date. 
However, an official signed Tribal resolution must be received by DGM 
prior to the beginning of the objective review. If an official signed 
resolution is not received by the review date listed under the Key 
Dates section on page one of this announcement, the application will be 
considered incomplete and ineligible.
    Official signed Tribal resolutions can be mailed to DGM, Attn: 
Cherron Smith, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, Maryland 
20852. Applicants submitting Tribal resolutions after or aside from the 
required online electronic application submission must ensure that the 
information is received by IHS/DGM. It is highly recommended that the 
documentation be sent by a delivery method that includes delivery 
confirmation and tracking. Please contact Ms. Cherron Smith by 
telephone at (301) 443-2192 prior to the review date regarding 
submission questions.
Proof of Non-Profit Status
    Organizations claiming non-profit status must submit proof. A copy 
of the 501(c)(3) Certificate must be received with the application 
submission by the application deadline date listed under the Key Dates 
section on page one of this announcement.
    An applicant submitting any of the above additional documentation 
after the initial application submission due date is required to ensure 
the information was received by IHS by obtaining documentation 
confirming delivery (i.e. FedEx tracking, postal return receipt, etc.).

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Obtaining Application Materials

    The application package and detailed instructions for this 
announcement can be found at http://www.Grants.gov or https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_funding.
    Questions regarding the electronic application process may be 
directed to Mr. Paul Gettys at (301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204.

2. Content and Form Application Submission

    The applicant must include the project narrative as an attachment 
to the application package. Mandatory documents for all applicants 
include:
     Cover letter.
     Table of contents.
     Abstract (must be single-spaced and should not exceed one 
page).
     Application forms:
    [cir] SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance.
    [cir] SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.
    [cir] SF-424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.
     Statement of Need (must be single-spaced and not exceed 
two pages).
    [cir] Includes the Tribe, Tribal organization, or UIHP background 
information.
     Project Narrative (must be included as an attachment to 
the application package and must be single-spaced and not exceed 20 
pages).
    [cir] Proposed scope of work, objectives, and activities that 
provide a description of what will be accomplished, including a one-
page timeframe chart, and a plan for local data collection.
     Budget and Budget Narrative (must be single-spaced and not 
exceed four pages).
     Tribal Resolution or Tribal Letter of Support (only 
required for Tribes and Tribal organizations).
    [cir] See Key Dates for separate due date submission requirement.
     Letter(s) of Support from organization's Board of 
Directors (or relevant equivalent), Local Organizational Partners and 
Tribal or Urban Indian Organizational and Community Partners (All 
Applicants).
     501(c)(3) Certificate (if applicable).
     Biographical sketches for all key personnel.
     Position descriptions for all key personnel.
     Contractor/consultant qualifications and scope of work.
     Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
     Certification Regarding Lobbying (GG-Lobbying Form).
     Copy of current Negotiated Indirect Cost rate (IDC) 
agreement (required) in order to receive IDC.
     Organizational Chart (optional).
     Documentation of current Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) A-133 required Financial Audit or other required audit (if 
applicable).
    Acceptable forms of documentation include:
    [cir] Email confirmation from Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC) 
that audits were submitted; or
    [cir] Face sheets from audit reports. These can be found on the FAC 
Web site: http://harvester.census.gov/sac/dissem/accessoptions.html?submit=Go+To+Database

Public Policy Requirements

    All Federal-wide public policies apply to IHS grants and 
cooperative agreements with exception of the discrimination policy.

Requirements for Project Proposals

    The project narrative should be a separate Word document that is no 
longer than 20 pages and must: be single-spaced, type written, 
consecutively numbered pages, using black type not smaller than 12 
characters per one inch, and be printed on one side only of standard 
size 8\1/2\'' x 11'' paper.
    Succinctly address and answer all questions listed under required 
application components and place all responses and required information 
in the correct section (noted below), or they shall not be considered 
or scored. These narratives will assist the ORC in becoming familiar 
with the applicant's activities and accomplishments prior to this grant 
award. If the narrative exceeds the page limit, only the first twenty 
(20) pages will be reviewed. The 20-page limit for the narrative does 
not include the cover letter, table of contents, abstract, statement of 
need, standard forms, Tribal resolutions, budget and budget narrative, 
and/or other appendix items.
    Applications must include the following required application 
components:
     Cover Letter--Includes the title of the program and all 
contact information for the Tribe/Tribal organization or UIHP.
     Table of Contents.
     Abstract--Provides a summary of all the key information 
for the project. Must not exceed one single-spaced page.
     Statement of Need--Provides the facts and evidence that 
support the need for the project and establishes that the Tribe/Tribal 
organization or UIHP understands the problems and can

[[Page 39135]]

reasonably address them. Provides background information on the Tribe/
Tribal organization or UIHP. May not exceed two single-spaced pages.
     Project Narrative--The project narrative (description) 
describes the project. May not exceed 20 single-spaced pages.
    Required components in the project narrative are as follows:
    A. Goals and Objectives.
    B. Project Activities.
    C. Timeline Chart.
    D. Organization Capacity and Staffing/Administration.
    E. Plan for Local Data Collection.
     Budget and Budget Narrative--Applicants are to submit a 
budget and budget narrative for Project Year 1 only. The budget and 
budget narrative must include a line item budget with a narrative 
justification for all expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable 
costs necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in 
the project narrative for the first project year only. The budget and 
budget narrative may not exceed four single-spaced pages for both 
documents combined.
    The MSPI Proposal Template and associated templates for the 
Timeline Chart, Biographical Sketch, Budget and Budget Narrative, can 
be located and downloaded at the MSPI Web site: http://www.ihs.gov/mspi/fundingannouncement.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the application deadline date 
listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this announcement. Any 
application received after the application deadline will not be 
accepted for processing, nor will it be given further consideration for 
funding. Grants.gov will notify the applicant via email if the 
application is rejected.
    If technical challenges arise and assistance is required with the 
electronic application process, contact Grants.gov Customer Support via 
email to [email protected] or at (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is 
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on 
Federal holidays). If problems persist, contact Mr. Paul Gettys 
([email protected]), DGM Grant Systems Coordinator, by telephone at 
(301) 443-2114 or (301) 443-5204. Please be sure to contact Mr. Gettys 
at least ten (10) days prior to the application deadline. Please do not 
contact DGM until you have received a Grants.gov tracking number. In 
the event you are not able to obtain a tracking number, call DGM as 
soon as possible.
    If the applicant needs to submit a paper application instead of 
submitting electronically through Grants.gov, a waiver must be 
requested. Prior approval must be requested and obtained from Ms. Tammy 
Bagley, Acting Director of DGM, (see section IV.6, Electronic 
Submission Requirements, below for additional information). The waiver 
must: (1) Be documented in writing (emails are acceptable) before 
submitting a paper application, and (2) include clear justification for 
the need to deviate from the required electronic grants submission 
process. A written waiver request must be sent to [email protected] 
with a copy to [email protected]. Once the waiver request has been 
approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation of approval email 
containing submission instructions and the mailing address to submit 
the application. A copy of the written approval must be submitted along 
with the hardcopy of the application that is mailed to DGM. Paper 
applications that are submitted without a copy of the signed waiver 
from the Acting Director of DGM will not be reviewed or considered for 
funding. The applicant will be notified via email of this decision by 
the Grants Management Officer of DGM. Paper applications must be 
received by DGM no later than 5:00 p.m., EDT, on the application 
deadline date listed in the Key Dates section on page one of this 
announcement. Late applications will not be accepted for processing or 
considered for funding.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    E.O. 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not applicable to 
this program.

5. Funding Restrictions

     Pre-award costs are not allowable.
     The available funds are inclusive of direct and 
appropriate indirect costs.
     Only one grant/cooperative agreement will be awarded per 
applicant.

6. Electronic Submission Requirements

    All applications must be submitted electronically. Please use the 
http://www.Grants.gov Web site to submit an application electronically 
and select the ``Find Grant Opportunities'' link on the homepage. 
Download a copy of the application package, complete it offline, and 
then upload and submit the completed application via the http://www.Grants.gov Web site. Electronic copies of the application may not 
be submitted as attachments to email messages addressed to IHS 
employees or offices.
    If the applicant receives a waiver to submit paper application 
documents, they must follow the rules and timelines that are noted 
below. The applicant must seek assistance at least ten (10) days prior 
to the application deadline date listed in the Key Dates section on 
page one of this announcement.
    Applicants that do not adhere to the timelines for System for Award 
Management (SAM) and/or http://www.Grants.gov registration or that fail 
to request timely assistance with technical issues will not be 
considered for a waiver to submit a paper application.
    Please be aware of the following:
     Please search for the application package in http://www.Grants.gov by entering the CFDA number or the Funding Opportunity 
Number. Both numbers are located in the header of this announcement.
     If you experience technical challenges while submitting 
the application electronically, please contact Grants.gov Support 
directly at: [email protected] or (800) 518-4726. Customer Support is 
available to address questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except on 
Federal holidays).
     Upon contacting Grants.gov, obtain a tracking number as 
proof of contact. The tracking number is helpful if there are technical 
issues that cannot be resolved and a waiver from the Agency must be 
obtained.
     If it is determined that a waiver is needed, the applicant 
must submit a request in writing (emails are acceptable) to 
[email protected] with a copy to [email protected]. Please 
include a clear justification for the need to deviate from the standard 
electronic submission process.
     If the waiver is approved, the application should be sent 
directly to DGM by the application deadline date listed in the Key 
Dates section on page one of this announcement.
     Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the 
deadline date to begin the application process through Grants.gov as 
the registration process for SAM and Grants.gov could take up to 
fifteen working days.
     Please use the optional attachment feature in Grants.gov 
to attach additional documentation that may be requested by DGM.
     All applicants must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in this funding announcement.
     After electronically submitting the application, the 
applicant will receive an automatic acknowledgment from

[[Page 39136]]

Grants.gov containing a Grants.gov tracking number. DGM will download 
the application from Grants.gov and provide necessary copies to the 
appropriate agency officials. Neither DGM nor the behavioral health 
program will notify the applicant that the application has been 
received.
     Email applications will not be accepted under this 
announcement.
     IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS)
    All IHS applicants and grantee organizations are required to obtain 
a DUNS number and maintain an active registration in the SAM database. 
The DUNS number is a unique 9-digit identification number provided by 
D&B which uniquely identifies each entity. The DUNS number is site 
specific; therefore, each distinct performance site may be assigned a 
DUNS number. Obtaining a DUNS number is easy, and there is no charge. 
To obtain a DUNS number, please access it through http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform, or to expedite the process, call (866) 705-
5711.
    All HHS recipients are required by the Federal Funding 
Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, as amended (Transparency 
Act), to report information on subawards. Accordingly, all IHS grantees 
must notify potential first-tier subrecipients that no entity may 
receive a first-tier subaward unless the entity has provided its DUNS 
number to the prime grantee organization. This requirement ensures the 
use of a universal identifier to enhance the quality of information 
available to the public pursuant to the Transparency Act.
System for Award Management (SAM)
    Organizations that are not registered with Central Contractor 
Registration and have not registered with SAM will need to obtain a 
DUNS number first and then access the SAM online registration through 
the SAM home page at https://www.sam.gov (U.S. organizations will also 
need to provide an Employer Identification Number from the Internal 
Revenue Service that may take an additional 2-5 weeks to become 
active). Completing and submitting the registration takes approximately 
one hour to complete and SAM registration will take 3-5 business days 
to process. Registration with SAM is free of charge. Applicants may 
register online at https://www.sam.gov.
    Additional information on implementing the Transparency Act, 
including the specific requirements for DUNS and SAM, can be found on 
the IHS Grants Management, Grants Policy Web site: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_policy_topics.

V. Application Review Information

    The instructions for preparing the application statement of need, 
project narrative, budget and budget narrative also constitute the 
evaluation criteria for reviewing and scoring the application. Weights 
assigned to each section are noted in parentheses. The 20 page 
narrative should include activities for the proposed one-year project. 
The statement of need, project narrative, budget and budget narrative 
sections should be written in a manner that is clear to outside 
reviewers unfamiliar with prior related activities of the applicant. It 
should be well organized, succinct, and contain all information 
necessary for reviewers to understand the project fully. Points will be 
assigned to each evaluation criteria adding up to a total of 100 
points. A minimum score of 65 points is required for funding. Points 
are assigned as follows:

1. Criteria

    Applications will be reviewed and scored according to the quality 
of responses to the required application components in sections A-E.
     In developing the Statement of Need, Project Narrative, 
Budget and Budget Narrative sections of the application, use the 
instructions provided for each section, which have been tailored to 
this program.
     The Statement of Need should not exceed two single-spaced 
pages.
     The Project Narrative (required components, sections A-E, 
in ``Requirements for Project Proposals'') together should not exceed 
20 single-spaced pages.
     The Budget and Budget Narrative the applicant provides 
will be considered by reviewers in assessing the applicant's response, 
along with the material in the Project Narrative. The budget and budget 
narrative must not exceed four single-spaced pages.
     The applicant must use the five sections (sections A-E) 
listed below in developing the: (1) Statement of Need (section A); (2) 
Project Narrative (sections B, C and D); and (3) Budget and Budget 
Narrative (section E). The applicant must place the required 
information in the correct section, or it will not be considered. The 
application will be scored according to how well the applicant 
addresses the requirements for each section of the Statement of Need, 
Project Narrative, Budget and Budget Narrative.
     The number of points after each heading is the maximum 
number of points a review committee may assign to that section. 
Although scoring weights are not assigned to individual bullets, each 
bullet is assessed in deriving the overall section score.
Section A: Statement of Need (35 Points)
    1. For all Purpose Areas: Identify the proposed catchment area and 
provide demographic information on the population(s) to receive 
services through the targeted systems or agencies, e.g., race, 
ethnicity, Federally recognized Tribe, language, age, socioeconomic 
status, sexual identity (sexual orientation, gender identity), and 
other relevant factors, such as literacy. Describe the stakeholders and 
resources in the catchment area that can help implement the needed 
infrastructure development.
    2. For Purpose Area #1 only: Document the need and lack of data 
currently available. Document the need for an enhanced infrastructure 
and strategic planning processes to inform the work in the community.
    3. For Purpose Areas #2, #3, and #4: Based on the information and/
or data currently available, document the prevalence of suicide 
ideations, attempts and completions, methamphetamine use rates, and 
alcohol and substance abuse rates. For Purpose Area #4, the data should 
be geared toward AI/AN children and youth.
    4. For Purpose Areas #2, #3, and #4: Based on the information and/
or data currently available, document the need for an enhanced 
infrastructure to increase the capacity to implement, sustain, and 
improve effective substance abuse prevention and/or behavioral health 
services in the proposed catchment area that is consistent with the 
purpose of the program and the funding opportunity announcement. Based 
on available data, describe the service gaps and other problems related 
to the need for infrastructure development. Identify the source of the 
data. Documentation of need may come from a variety of qualitative and 
quantitative sources. Examples of data sources for the quantitative 
data that could be used are local epidemiologic data (Tribal 
Epidemiology Centers, IHS area offices), state data (e.g., from state 
needs assessments, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's 
(SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health), and/or national data 
(e.g., from SAMHSA's National Survey

[[Page 39137]]

on Drug Use and Health or from National Center for Health Statistics/
Centers for Disease Control reports, and Census data). This list is not 
exhaustive; applicants may submit other valid data, as appropriate for 
the applicant's program.
    5. For all Purpose Areas: Describe the existing behavioral health 
service gaps, barriers, and other systemic challenges related to the 
need for planning and infrastructure development and coordination of 
behavioral health and wellness services.
    6. For all Purpose Areas: Describe potential project partners and 
community resources in the catchment area that can participate in the 
planning process and infrastructure development.
    7. For all Purpose Areas: Affirm the goals of the project are 
consistent with priorities of the Tribal government or board of 
directors and that the governing body is in support of this 
application.
    Section B: Project Narrative/Proposed Approach/Project Plan (20 
Points)
    1. For all Purpose Areas: Describe the purpose of the proposed 
project, including a clear statement of goals and objectives. Describe 
how achievement of goals will increase system capacity to support the 
goals and objectives or activities in the Purpose Area for which the 
applicant is applying.
    2. For all Purpose Areas: Describe how project activities will 
increase the capacity of the identified community to plan and improve 
the coordination of a collaborative behavioral health and wellness 
service systems. Describe anticipated barriers to progress of the 
project and how these barriers will be addressed.
    3. For all Purpose Areas: Discuss how the proposed approach 
addresses the local language, concepts, attitudes, norms and values 
about suicide, and/or methamphetamine use.
    4. For all Purpose Areas: Describe how the proposed project will 
address issues of diversity within the population of focus including 
age, race, gender, ethnicity, culture/cultural identity, language, 
sexual orientation, disability, and literacy.
    5. For all Purpose Areas: Describe how members of the community 
(including youth and families that may receive services) will be 
involved in the planning, implementation, and data collection and 
regional evaluation of the project.
    6. For all Purpose Areas: Describe how the efforts of the proposed 
project will be coordinated with any other related Federal grants, 
including IHS, SAMHSA, or Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) services 
provided in the community (if applicable).
    7. For all Purpose Areas: Provide a timeline chart depicting a 
realistic timeline for the entire project period showing key 
activities, milestones, and responsible staff. These key activities 
should include the requirements outlined in the chosen Purpose Area. 
[Note: The timeline chart should be part of the Project Narrative as 
specified in the ``Requirements for Project Proposals'' section. It 
should not be placed as an attachment.]
    8. For all Purpose Areas: If the applicant plans to include an 
advisory body in the project, describe its membership, roles and 
functions, and frequency of meetings.
    9. For all Purpose Areas: Identify any other organization(s) that 
will participate in the proposed project. Describe their roles and 
responsibilities and demonstrate their commitment to the project. 
Include a list of these organizations as an attachment to the project 
proposal/application. In the attached list, indicate the organizations 
that the Tribe/Tribal organization or UIHP has worked with or currently 
works with. [Note: The attachment will not count as part of the 20-page 
maximum.]
Section C: Organizational Capacity and Staffing/Administration (15 
Points)
    All Purpose Areas should address all of the components listed 
below:
    1. Describe the management capability and experience of the 
applicant Tribe, Tribal organization, or UIHP and other participating 
organizations in administering similar grants and projects.
    2. Discuss the applicant Tribe, Tribal organization, or UIHP 
experience and capacity to provide culturally appropriate/competent 
services to the community and specific populations of focus.
    3. Describe the resources available for the proposed project (e.g., 
facilities, equipment, information technology systems, and financial 
management systems).
    4. Describe how project continuity will be maintained if/when there 
is a change in the operational environment (e.g., staff turnover, 
change in project leadership, change in elected officials) to ensure 
project stability over the life of the grant.
    5. Provide a complete list of staff positions for the project, 
including the Project Director, Project Coordinator, and other key 
personnel, showing the role of each and their level of effort and 
qualifications.
    6. Include position descriptions as attachments to the project 
proposal/application for the Project Director, Project Coordinator, and 
all key personnel. Position descriptions should not exceed one page 
each. [Note: Attachments will not count against the 20 page maximum].
    7. For staff that are identified and currently on staff, include a 
biographical sketch (not to include personally identifiable 
information) for the Project Director, Project Coordinator, and other 
key positions as attachments to the project proposal/application. Each 
biographical sketch should not exceed one page. Reviewers will not 
consider information past page one. [Note: Attachments will not count 
against the 20 page maximum]. Do not include any of the following:
    i. Personally Identifiable Information;
    ii. Resumes; or
    iii. Curriculum Vitae.
Section D: Local Plan for Data Collection (20 Points)
    Describe the applicant's plan for gathering local data, submitting 
data requirements, and document the applicant's ability to ensure 
accurate data tracking and reporting.
    Funded projects are required to coordinate data collection efforts 
with a regional (IHS Area) evaluator. The regional evaluators will be 
identified and funded by IHS and coordinated with each local project 
and will feed the regional and national evaluation for MSPI. Awardees 
will work with the regional evaluator(s) to evaluate the core 
processes, outcomes, impacts, and benefits associated with the MSPI. 
Awardees shall collect local data related to the project and submit it 
in semi-annual progress reports. The data collected and submitted 
through the progress reports will be made available to the regional and 
national evaluator(s) for MSPI. The purpose of the regional and 
national evaluation is to assess the extent to which the projects are 
successful in achieving project goals and objectives and to determine 
the impact of MSPI-related activities on individuals and the larger 
community.
    Progress reporting will be required on national and regionally 
selected data elements related to program outcomes and financial 
reporting for all awardees. Progress reports will be collected semi-
annually throughout the project on a web-based portal. Progress reports 
include the compilation of quantitative (numerical) data (e.g., number 
served; screenings completed, etc.) and of qualitative or narrative 
(text) data. The regional and national evaluators will also coordinate 
the narrative data

[[Page 39138]]

collection and provide an analysis of the funded project's responses to 
open-ended questions about ``program accomplishments,'' ``barriers to 
implementation,'' and description of partnership and coalition work.
    The reporting portal will be open to project staff on a 24 hour/7 
day week basis for the duration of each reporting period. Reporting 
form formats allow awardees to report outcomes and include open-ended 
questions about current accomplishments and barriers during the 
reporting period. In addition, financial report forms (SF-425), which 
document funds received and expended during the semi-annual reporting 
period, will be available. All materials will be provided on the portal 
and are to be submitted online. Technical assistance for web-based data 
entry and for the completion of required fiscal documents will be 
timely and readily available to awardees by assigned IHS Project 
Officers.
Section E: Budget and Budget Narrative (10 Points)
    The applicant is required to include a line item budget for all 
expenditures identifying reasonable and allowable costs necessary to 
accomplish the goals and objectives as outlined in the project 
narrative for Project Year 1 only. The budget should match the scope of 
work described in the project narrative for the first project year 
expenses only. The page limitation should not exceed four single-spaced 
pages.
    The applicant must provide a narrative justification of the items 
included in the proposed line item budget supporting the mission and 
goals of MSPI, as well as a description of existing resources and other 
support the applicant expects to receive for the proposed project. 
Other support is defined as funds or resources, whether Federal, non-
Federal or institutional, in direct support of activities through 
fellowships, gifts, prizes, in-kind contributions or non-Federal means. 
(This should correspond to Item #18 on the applicant's SF-424, 
Estimated Funding.) Provide a narrative justification supporting the 
development or continued collaboration with other partners regarding 
the proposed activities to be implemented.
    Additional documents can be uploaded as Appendix Items in 
Grants.gov
     Work plan, logic model and/or time line for proposed 
objectives.
     Position descriptions for key staff.
     Consultant or contractor proposed scope of work and letter 
of commitment (if applicable).
     Current Indirect Cost Agreement.
     Organizational chart.
     Map of area identifying project location(s).
     Additional documents to support narrative (i.e. data 
tables, key news articles, etc.).

2. Review and Selection

    Each application will be prescreened by DGM staff for eligibility 
and completeness as outlined in the funding announcement. Applications 
that meet the eligibility criteria shall be reviewed for merit by the 
ORC based on evaluation criteria in this funding announcement. The ORC 
could be composed of Tribal, urban and Federal reviewers appointed by 
the IHS program to review and make recommendations on these 
applications. The technical review process ensures selection of quality 
projects in a national competition for limited funding. Incomplete 
applications and applications that are non-responsive to the 
eligibility criteria will not be referred to the ORC. The applicant 
will be notified via email of this decision by the Grants Management 
Officer of DGM. Applicants will be notified by DGM, via email, to 
outline minor missing components (i.e., budget narratives, audit 
documentation, key contact form) needed for an otherwise complete 
application. All missing documents must be sent to DGM on or before the 
due date listed in the email of notification of missing documents 
required. To obtain a minimum score for funding by the ORC, applicants 
must address all program requirements and provide all required 
documentation.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    The Notice of Award (NoA) is a legally binding document signed by 
the Grants Management Officer and serves as the official notification 
of the grant award. The NoA will be initiated by DGM in our grant 
system, GrantSolutions (https://www.grantsolutions.gov). Each entity 
that is approved for funding under this announcement will need to 
request or have a user account in GrantSolutions in order to retrieve 
their NoA. The NoA is the authorizing document for which funds are 
dispersed to the approved entities and reflects the amount of Federal 
funds awarded, the purpose of the grant, the terms and conditions of 
the award, the effective date of the award, and the budget/project 
period.
Disapproved Applicants
    Applicants who received a score less than the recommended funding 
level for approval, 65 points, and were deemed to be disapproved by the 
ORC, will receive an Executive Summary Statement from the IHS program 
office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC outlining the 
strengths and weaknesses of their application submitted. The IHS 
program office will also provide additional contact information as 
needed to address questions and concerns as well as provide technical 
assistance if desired.
Approved But Unfunded Applicants
    Approved but unfunded applicants that met the minimum score of 65 
points and were deemed by the ORC to be ``Approved,'' but were not 
funded due to lack of funding, will have their applications held by DGM 
for a period of one year. If additional funding becomes available 
during the course of FY 2015, the approved but unfunded application may 
be re-considered by the awarding program office for possible funding. 
The applicant will also receive an Executive Summary Statement from the 
IHS program office within 30 days of the conclusion of the ORC.

    Note:  Any correspondence other than the official NoA signed by 
an IHS Grants Management Official announcing to the Project Director 
that an award has been made to their organization is not an 
authorization to implement their program on behalf of IHS.

2. Administrative Requirements

    Grants are administered in accordance with the following 
regulations, policies, and OMB cost principles:
    A. The criteria as outlined in this program announcement.
    B. Administrative Regulations for Grants:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements HHS Awards, located at 
45 CFR part 75.
    C. Grants Policy:
     HHS Grants Policy Statement, Revised 01/07.
    D. Cost Principles:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, ``Cost 
Principles,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart E.
    E. Audit Requirements:
     Uniform Administrative Requirements for HHS Awards, 
``Audit Requirements,'' located at 45 CFR part 75, subpart F.

3. Indirect Costs

    This section applies to all grant recipients that request 
reimbursement of IDC in their grant application. In accordance with HHS 
Grants Policy Statement, Part II-27, IHS requires applicants to obtain 
a current IDC rate agreement prior to award. The rate

[[Page 39139]]

agreement must be prepared in accordance with the applicable cost 
principles and guidance as provided by the cognizant agency or office. 
A current rate covers the applicable grant activities under the current 
award's budget period. If the current rate is not on file with DGM at 
the time of award, the IDC portion of the budget will be restricted. 
The restrictions remain in place until the current rate is provided to 
DGM.
    Generally, IDC rates for IHS grantees are negotiated with the 
Division of Cost Allocation (DCA) https://rates.psc.gov/ and the 
Department of Interior (Interior Business Center) http://www.doi.gov/ibc/services/Indirect_Cost_Services/index.cfm. For questions regarding 
the indirect cost policy, please call the Grants Management Specialist 
listed under ``Agency Contacts'' or the main DGM office at (301) 443-
5204.

4. Reporting Requirements

    The grantee must submit required reports consistent with the 
applicable deadlines. Failure to submit required reports within the 
time allowed may result in suspension or termination of an active 
grant, withholding of additional awards for the project, or other 
enforcement actions such as withholding of payments or converting to 
the reimbursement method of payment. Continued failure to submit 
required reports may result in one or both of the following: (1) The 
imposition of special award provisions; and (2) the non-funding or non-
award of other eligible projects or activities. This requirement 
applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the failure of the 
grantee organization or the individual responsible for preparation of 
the reports. Reports must be submitted electronically via 
GrantSolutions. Personnel responsible for submitting reports will be 
required to obtain a login and password for GrantSolutions. Please see 
the Agency contacts list in section VII for the systems contact 
information.
    The reporting requirements for this program are noted below.

A. Progress Reports

    Progress reports are required semi-annually/annually through the 
national MSPI online progress report data portal, within thirty (30) 
days after the budget period ends. These reports must include a brief 
comparison of actual accomplishments to the goals established for the 
reporting period, or, if applicable, provide sound justification for 
the lack of progress, and other pertinent information as required. A 
final report must be submitted within ninety (90) days of expiration of 
the budget/project period.

B. Financial Reports

    Federal Financial Report FFR (SF-425), Cash Transaction Reports are 
due thirty (30) days after the close of every calendar quarter to the 
Payment Management Services, HHS at: http://www.dpm.psc.gov. It is 
recommended that the applicant also send a copy of the FFR (SF-425) 
report to the Grants Management Specialist. Failure to submit timely 
reports may cause a disruption in timely payments to the organization.
    Grantees are responsible and accountable for accurate information 
being reported on all required reports: The Progress Reports and 
Federal Financial Report (SF-425).

C. Federal Subaward Reporting System (FSRS)

    This award may be subject to the Transparency Act subaward and 
executive compensation reporting requirements of 2 CFR part 170.
    The Transparency Act requires OMB to establish a single searchable 
database, accessible to the public, with information on financial 
assistance awards made by Federal agencies. The Transparency Act also 
includes a requirement for recipients of Federal grants to report 
information about first-tier subawards and executive compensation under 
Federal assistance awards.
    IHS has implemented a Term of Award into all IHS Standard Terms and 
Conditions, NoAs and funding announcements regarding the FSRS reporting 
requirement. This IHS Term of Award is applicable to all IHS grant and 
cooperative agreements issued on or after October 1, 2010, with a 
$25,000 subaward obligation dollar threshold met for any specific 
reporting period. Additionally, all new (discretionary) IHS awards 
(where the project period is made up of more than one budget period) 
and where: (1) The project period start date was October 1, 2010 or 
after and (2) the primary awardee will have a $25,000 subaward 
obligation dollar threshold during any specific reporting period will 
be required to address the FSRS reporting. For the full IHS award term 
implementing this requirement and additional award applicability 
information, visit DGM Grants Policy Web site at: https://www.ihs.gov/dgm/index.cfm?module=dsp_dgm_policy_topics.
    Telecommunication for the hearing impaired is available at: TTY 
(301) 443-6394.

VII. Agency Contacts

    1. Questions on the programmatic issues may be directed to: Audrey 
Solimon, Health System Specialist, 5300 Homestead Rd. NE., Albuquerque, 
NM 87110, Phone: (505) 248-4330, Fax: (505) 248-4257, Email: 
[email protected].
    2. Questions on grants management and fiscal matters may be 
directed to: Cherron Smith, GMS, IHS Division of Grants Management, 801 
Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 360, Rockville, MD 20874, Phone: (301) 443-
2192, Fax: (301) 443-9602, Email: [email protected].
    3. Questions on systems matters may be directed to: Paul Gettys, 
Grant Systems Coordinator, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP Suite 360, 
Rockville, MD 20852, Phone: (301) 443-2114; or the DGM main line (301) 
443-5204, Fax: (301) 443-9602, E-Mail: [email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    The Public Health Service strongly encourages all cooperative 
agreement and contract recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and 
promote the non-use of all tobacco products. In addition, Public Law 
103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in certain 
facilities (or in some cases, any portion of the facility) in which 
regular or routine education, library, day care, health care, or early 
childhood development services are provided to children. This is 
consistent with the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical and 
mental health of the American people.

    Dated: June 30, 2015.
Robert G. McSwain,
Acting Director, Indian Health Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-16744 Filed 7-7-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4160-16-P